What is an Early Learning Centre?

When choosing what kind of care services you want to use for you and your child, there are a lot of different terms you will find online, such as daycare, child care, kindergarten, occasional care and preschool.

A lot of them seem to overlap, or even mean similar things, which can be confusing in the beginning.

So what do they actually mean?

To help you with making this critical decision for your child, here is some information on what an early learning centre (ELC)actually is.

What is an ELC?

An ELC is an early learning environment that caters to kids from 6 weeks to 6 years of age. Operating for 51 weeks of the year, they offer play based learning, to help your child’s long term enrichment.

Early Learning Centres are a wonderful combination of all sorts of child care. They offer the care services of daycare centres and the curriculum and educational programs of kinder and preschool. This combination of education and care is integral for the learning and development of your child in the early years.

Early learning centres are all about understanding how important this time is in your child’s life, and using that knowledge to give them the best opportunities for their development, to ensure happiness and success later in life. They incorporate the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which focuses on belonging, being and becoming to enrich your child’s learning from birth to age 5.

Who works for them?

Cuddly Bear Templestowe ELC is run by professional early childhood educators, who are experienced and dedicated to creating positive learning experiences and cherished childhood memories for your children.

Early learning centres employ professional educators, who have studied and understand child development and have the skills to nurture this. They are able to run learning programs as well as look after young children. Utilising play based learning, they offer your children the best of both worlds when it comes to care.

By employing professional educators, who are passionate about childcare, they are ensuring that your children have the best head start in their development. They are able to identify teachable, learning moments when looking after your child.

What do they offer?

Cuddly Bear Templestowe ELC is a long day care ELC, that promotes a positive attitude towards learning, giving kids the social and emotional skills to handle pre-school and primary school.

Children respond well to routine and consistency, so an Early Learning Centre is a great way to provide this for your child. It helps prepare them for the school term, as well as helping them develop an understanding of structure that will benefit both parent and child.

Your children are able to develop necessary social skills by having supervised interactions with their peers. They learn problem solving skills, cultural awareness and build self esteem, among many other important developmental skills.

By encouraging children to think creatively, they build their thinking skills.

Depending on the centre, many will offer bonus services such as lunches provided, swimming lessons and other excursions.

Early Learning Centres are integral parts of the community, offering a wide range of support to parents. They are a great benefit to children, and should be at the top of your list when considering where to send your child.

If you want to send your child to the best private early learning centre in Melbourne, contact Cuddly Bear Templestowe ELC today!